Welcome to the UKMPA website

The United Kingdom Maritime Pilots' Association (UKMPA) is the representative professional body for authorised Pilots in the United Kingdom. Marine Pilots are highly skilled experts authorised to pilot ships in their respective districts.

As a professional organisation the UKMPA has been involved in many European Projects which are at the forefront of research into new innovations and technologies such as MARNIS and AZIPILOT.

In the UK it has been involved in the research and the continued progression of standards in Marine Pilot training, National Occupational Standards for Marine Pilots, ECDIS and Portable Pilot Units. (Organisations who would like the UKMPA to be involved in professional research of technologies or safety are encouraged to contact the UKMPA office).

With its reputation for high standards the UKMPA is involved in projects and administrative work with various marine Government bodies and agencies including the Department for Transport (DfT), Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). Additionally work is ongoing with P&I Clubs, the Port Skills and Safety Organisation (PSS) and currently, a well known training video producer. Some examples of the committees and other areas of work are: UK Safety Of Navigation, CHIRP, Nautical advice on marine accidents, consultation on maritime policies and documents, the co-authoring of the pilots' National Boarding and Landing code and the construction through EMPA of the Education Training and Certification Standards for pilots.

The UKMPA is affiliated to the International Maritime Pilots' Association (IMPA) - which holds consultative status as an NGO at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the European Maritime Pilots' Association (EMPA) - which monitors pilotage related activities within the EU.